LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Board of Architectural Review marked an era's end on Wednesday with the retirement of Betty Kerr, who has served as director of historic preservation for 35 years, according to the meeting archive.

Kerr, a fifth-generation Lexingtonian, presided over the board meeting on August 19, 2026—her last before retiring at month's end. The division of historic preservation office, located at 101 East Vine Street, honored her tenure with a retirement party held earlier in the day.

"It has been an amazing run for 35 years," Kerr said during the meeting. "I really couldn't have told you until more recently has it really been 35 years?"

Speaking in tribute, a board member praised Kerr's ability to navigate Lexington's complex political landscape while protecting historic properties from demolition. "Even though you have the impressive credentials, reputation and experience, you're from an old, connected prominent family," the member said. "That means a lot here."

Kerr led a staff that reviewed 21 routine maintenance projects during Wednesday's meeting, including roof replacements, gutter work, window refurbishments and fence repairs across the city's 16 historic districts. The board also considered 10 applications for Certificates of Appropriateness, which are required before exterior work can begin on historic properties.

The Board of Architectural Review was established by zoning ordinance in 1958, with Gratz Park as the city's first historic district. The Historic Preservation Office maintains full-time staff to assist property owners with their projects and maintains records of the National Register of Historic Places for Lexington and Fayette County.

Kristin, Kerr's successor as director, was recognized at the meeting. Board members noted Kerr's diplomatic approach during decades when historic preservation was not always a political priority. "She is extraordinarily gracious" and "diplomatic to the core," the board member said, noting that Kerr had "served us well and kept what could have been heated and unfortunate public arguments to a minimum."